Month: December 2015

I’m going to do something different with this blog for the year of 2016. Each Monday morning I will post a short devotional that will emphasize one specific way to grow closer to the Lord. The devotional will include a goal for the week–something to focus on and pray about all week long. By each Sunday, the challenge will have been on our minds all week so hopefully it will affect our worship and our relationships with fellow Christians as well. My prayer is that by the end of 2016, we will all feel closer than ever to our Savior.

To prepare for these devotional thoughts, I’ve been reading up on the promises of strength for those who continually turn to God and HIs Word:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power (Isa. 40:29).

Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary (Isa. 40:31).

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psa. 46:1).

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (Eph. 6:10).

I will still post occasional articles that have to do with other thoughts and topics, but every Monday will be dedicated to “Revive Me–a Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord.” If you have any friends or loved ones that you think might enjoy these weekly devotional challenges, you can encourage them to sign up to follow this blog. The devotionals will go straight to their email inbox each week. If you participate in a ladies’ Bible class or teach teen girls, feel free to print/ use the posts so you can share the challenges together. There’s strength in numbers!

Thank you, readers, for the encouragement you’ve given me. I hope your year is ending in a sweet and peaceful way. There’s no telling what we may face in the new year…more changes, or trials or loss…but I look forward to what God can do through us as we grow ever closer to Him.

Like this:

One month from today our oldest son Gary will get married, Lord willing. From the time he was born, Neal and I have been praying for the woman Gary would choose to marry. The most important thing to us is that he would marry someone who will help him go to Heaven, but naturally we wondered what she would be like. Would she really like us? Would we be able to have a close relationship with her? Would we click? Only recently has it truly dawned on me…we’re getting a daughter! Please indulge me while I tell you a little about her.

She has a great name. Chelsea is her name and it suits her completely. She is just as beautiful, sweet, and strong as her name sounds. Her name means “a port” or “a landing place.” I’m thrilled to know that she is exactly that for Gary. She will be a wonderful woman for him to come home to each day. She will be his “port in the storm.”

She is willing to take on a new name. Chelsea’s family name is important to her, but she will be taking on Gary’s family name. That simple change is symbolic of her willingness to love, honor, and submit to him (Eph. 5:22-24). It means she will be in his care and under his protection (Eph. 5:25-31). I have no doubt that she will honor her new name.

She already wears the most important name. Chelsea is a Christian. She wears the name of Christ faithfully. She is kind, giving, and loving. Chelsea truly shines. All who know her can’t help but see the spirit of Christ. We love her radiant soul.

We couldn’t be more proud! Chelsea is so dear to us already. We are grateful to God for blessing Gary with such a treasure, and we look forward to having her as our very first daughter.